Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a mobile terminal capable of quickly capturing a picture without displaying a preview image and a method of controlling therefor. The mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a camera configured to capture a picture, a display configured to display information, and a controller configured to control the camera to capture a picture in response to a user input and without displaying a preview image received via the camera, and the controller to subsequently control the captured picture to be displayed on the display simultaneously with the preview image after the picture is captured.

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No.10-2013-0095053, filed on Aug. 9, 2013, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of takingpictures without displaying a preview image of a camera and a method ofcontrolling therefor.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform variousfunctions. Examples of such functions include data and voicecommunications, capturing images and video via a camera, recordingaudio, playing music files and outputting music via a speaker system,and displaying images and video on a display.

Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals andstationary terminals according to a presence or non-presence ofmobility. And, the mobile terminals can be further classified intohandheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals according to availabilityfor hand-carry.

There are ongoing efforts to support and increase the functionality ofmobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardwareimprovements, as well as changes and improvements in the structuralcomponents which form the mobile terminal.

In general, a camera is installed in a mobile terminal for the purposeof performing a video call and taking pictures. When a user activatesthe camera to take pictures, the camera displays a preview image in adisplay to provide the user with a composition of a picture to be takenand information on a subject, which will be included in the picture tobe taken.

Yet, if the user takes a picture while checking a preview image, it maytake time, which is not trivial, until an actual picture is taken nomatter how fast a processor may be. As an example, since a time takenfor activating the camera and displaying the preview image and a timetaken for capturing an actual picture after inputting a capturingcommand are nontrivial, it may take minimum 2˜3 seconds to take apicture no matter how fast the user intends to take a picture. Moreover,if the user further performs such a process as adjusting a configurationvalue of the camera in accordance with a capturing environment orsetting a subject to be taken to a focus area, the time taken forcapturing a picture cannot but increase.

Hence, a current mobile terminal may be inappropriate for capturing asubject which is needed to be captured in a moment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to amobile terminal and controlling method thereof that substantiallyobviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of therelated art.

The present invention is contrived by the aforementioned necessity. Anobject of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal forenhancing user convenience.

Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobileterminal capable of quickly capturing pictures without displaying apreview image.

Moreover, another object of the present invention is to provide a mobileterminal capable of automatically focusing a camera on a subject oradjusting a camera setting to correspond to an intention of a user.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein,according to one embodiment, a mobile terminal includes a cameraconfigured to capture a picture, a display configured to displayinformation, and a controller configured to control the camera tocapture a picture in response to a user input and without displaying apreview image received via the camera, and the controller tosubsequently control the captured picture to be displayed on the displaysimultaneously with the preview image after the picture is captured.

To further achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordancewith the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly describedherein, according to one embodiment, a method of controlling a mobileterminal includes receiving a user input, in response to receiving theuser input, capturing a picture without displaying a preview imagereceived via a camera, and subsequently displaying, on the display, thecaptured picture together with the preview image after the picture iscaptured.

Effects obtainable from the present invention may be non-limited by theabove mentioned effect. And, other unmentioned effects can be clearlyunderstood from the following description by those having ordinary skillin the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing figures. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for an operation of a mobile terminal according toone example of the present invention;

FIG. 5 a to FIG. 5 f are diagrams for explaining various examples ofinputting a first user input and a second user input;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminalwhen a first user input is received;

FIG. 7 a and FIG. 7 b are diagrams for explaining an operation of amobile terminal when a second user input is received;

FIG. 8 a to FIG. 8 c are diagrams for simultaneously displaying acaptured picture and a preview image when a picture is captured by asecond user input;

FIG. 9 a to FIG. 9 e are diagrams for explaining an example ofautomatically adjusting a focus when a picture is captured by a seconduser input;

FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b are diagrams for explaining an example ofautomatically adjusting a camera setting when a picture is captured by asecond user input;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of capturing a picture ina capturing mode indicated by a second user input;

FIG. 12 a and FIG. 12 b are diagrams for explaining an example ofcapturing a picture by selecting at least one of a front camera and arear camera according to environment of capturing the picture inaccordance with a second user input;

FIG. 13 a and FIG. 13 b is a diagram for an example of an output of amobile terminal when a plurality of pictures are captured by a seconduser input;

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of capturing a pluralityof pictures in a manner of varying a focal length;

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example that a captured pictureis distorted;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminalwhen a first user input or a second user input is inputted in the middleof executing an application;

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminalwhen a picture is captured in the middle of executing a plurality ofapplications at the same time;

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of inserting a capturedpicture into a position in which a preview image is outputted;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for an example of configuring a captured picture asa link object of data selected by a user;

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are diagrams for explaining an example of adding acaptured picture to a schedule;

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are diagrams for an example of capturing a picturein a manner of focusing into an object indicated by data selected by auser;

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminal incase that a plurality of objects are indicated by data selected by auser;

FIG. 25 is a diagram for an example that a preview image of a frontcamera and a preview image of a rear camera are simultaneously outputtedwhen a first user input is inputted;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for an example of outputting a captured picture incase of capturing a picture using a front camera and a rear camera atthe same time;

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example of capturing a picturewith an output of a display in the background;

FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are diagrams for a UI which is provided to anediting screen of a captured picture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show byway of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field thatother embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as wellas procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similarparts.

As used herein, the suffixes ‘module’, ‘unit’ and ‘part’ are used forelements in order to facilitate the disclosure only. Therefore,significant meanings or roles are not given to the suffixes themselvesand it is understood that the ‘module’, ‘unit’ and ‘part’ can be usedtogether or interchangeably.

The present invention can be applicable to a various types of mobileterminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile phones, userequipments, smart phones, digital broadcast receivers, personal digitalassistants, laptop computers, portable multimedia players (PMP),navigators and the like.

Yet, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a configurationaccording to an embodiment disclosed in this specification is applicableto such a fixed terminal as a digital TV, a desktop computer and thelike as well as a mobile terminal.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the mobile terminal100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes awireless communication unit 110, an A/V (audio/video) input unit 120, auser input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, a power supply unit 190and the like. FIG. 1 shows the mobile terminal 100 having variouscomponents, but it is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer componentsmay alternatively be implemented.

In the following description, the above elements of the mobile terminal100 are explained in sequence.

First of all, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes oneor more components which permits wireless communication between themobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system or networkwithin which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For instance, thewireless communication unit 110 can include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113,a short-range communication module 114, a position-location module 115and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managingserver via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include asatellite channel and a terrestrial channel. At least two broadcastreceiving modules 111 can be provided to the mobile terminal 100 inpursuit of simultaneous receptions of at least two broadcast channels orbroadcast channel switching facilitation.

The broadcast managing server generally refers to a server whichgenerates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation or a server which is provided with a previously generatedbroadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and thentransmits the provided signal or information to a terminal. Thebroadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radiobroadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, among others. If desired,the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combinedwith a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information includes information associatedwith a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast serviceprovider, etc. And, the broadcast associated information can be providedvia a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcastassociated information can be received by the mobile communicationmodule 112.

The broadcast associated information can be implemented in variousforms. For instance, broadcast associated information may include anelectronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB)and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld(DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to receivebroadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems.By non-limiting example, such broadcasting systems include digitalmultimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld(DVB-H), Convergence of Broadcasting and Mobile Service (DVB-CBMS), OpenMobile Alliance-BroadCAST (OMA-BCAST), China Multimedia MobileBroadcasting (CMMB), Mobile Broadcasting Business Management System(MBBMS), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only(MediaFLO®) and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial(ISDB-T). Optionally, the broadcast receiving module 111 can beconfigured suitable for other broadcasting systems as well as theabove-explained digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information received bythe broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device,such as a memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits/receives wireless signalsto/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, externalterminal, server, etc.) via a mobile network such as GSM (Global Systemfor Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA(Wideband CDMA) and so on. Such wireless signals may represent audio,video, and data according to text/multimedia message transceivings,among others.

The wireless internet module 113 supports Internet access for the mobileterminal 100. This module may be internally or externally coupled to themobile terminal 100. In this case, the wireless Internet technology caninclude WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax(World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High SpeedDownlink Packet Access), GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution)etc.

Wireless internet access by Wibro, HSPDA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE or thelike is achieved via a mobile communication network. In this aspect, thewireless internet module 113 configured to perform the wireless internetaccess via the mobile communication network can be understood as a sortof the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 facilitates relativelyshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing thismodule include radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared dataassociation (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at the networkingtechnologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name afew.

The position-location module 115 identifies or otherwise obtains thelocation of the mobile terminal 100. If desired, this module may beimplemented with a global positioning system (GPS) module. According tothe current technology, the GPS module 115 is able to preciselycalculate current 3-dimensional position information based on at leastone of longitude, latitude and altitude and direction (or orientation)by calculating distance information and precise time information from atleast three satellites and then applying triangulation to the calculatedinformation. Currently, location and time informations are calculatedusing three satellites, and errors of the calculated location positionand time informations are then amended using another satellite. Besides,the GPS module 115 is able to calculate speed information bycontinuously calculating a real-time current location.

Referring to FIG. 1, the audio/video (A/V) input unit 120 is configuredto provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal 100. Asshown, the A/V input unit 120 includes a camera 121 and a microphone122. The camera 121 receives and processes image frames of stillpictures or video, which are obtained by an image sensor in a video callmode or a photographing mode. And, the processed image frames can bedisplayed on the display 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 can be stored in the memory160 or can be externally transmitted via the wireless communication unit110. Optionally, at least two cameras 121 can be provided to the mobileterminal 100 according to environment of usage.

The microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while the portabledevice is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording modeand voice recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted intoelectric audio data. The processed audio data is transformed into aformat transmittable to a mobile communication base station via themobile communication module 112 in case of a call mode. The microphone122 typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to removenoise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data responsive to usermanipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of suchdevices include a button 136 provided to front/rear/lateral side of themobile terminal 100 and a touch sensor (constant pressure/electrostatic)137 and may further include a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jogswitch and the like [not shown in the drawing].

The sensing unit 140 provides sensing signals for controlling operationsof the mobile terminal 100 using status measurements of various aspectsof the mobile terminal. For instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect anopen/close status of the mobile terminal 100, relative positioning ofcomponents (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal 100, achange of position of the mobile terminal 100 or a component of themobile terminal 100, a presence or absence of user contact with themobile terminal 100, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of themobile terminal 100. By non-limiting example, such sensing unit 140include, gyro sensor, accelerate sensor, geomagnetic sensor.

As an example, consider the mobile terminal 100 being configured as aslide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration, the sensing unit 140may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal is open orclosed. Other examples include the sensing unit 140 sensing the presenceor absence of power provided by the power supply 190, the presence orabsence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit 170and an external device. And, the sensing unit 140 can include aproximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 generates outputs relevant to the senses of sight,hearing, touch and the like. And, the output unit 150 includes thedisplay 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a hapticmodule 154 and the like.

The display 151 is typically implemented to visually display (output)information associated with the mobile terminal 100. For instance, ifthe mobile terminal is operating in a phone call mode, the display willgenerally provide a user interface (UI) or graphical user interface(GUI) which includes information associated with placing, conducting,and terminating a phone call. As another example, if the mobile terminal100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the display 151 mayadditionally or alternatively display images which are associated withthese modes, the UI or the GUI.

The display module 151 may be implemented using known displaytechnologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), athin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organiclight-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and athree-dimensional display. The mobile terminal 100 may include one ormore of such displays.

Some of the above displays can be implemented in a transparent oroptical transmittive type, which can be named a transparent display. Asa representative example for the transparent display, there is TOLED(transparent OLED) or the like. A rear configuration of the display 151can be implemented in the optical transmittive type as well. In thisconfiguration, a user is able to see an object in rear of a terminalbody via the area occupied by the display 151 of the terminal body.

At least two displays 151 can be provided to the mobile terminal 100 inaccordance with the implemented configuration of the mobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of displays can be arranged on a singleface of the mobile terminal 100 in a manner of being spaced apart fromeach other or being built in one body. Alternatively, a plurality ofdisplays can be arranged on different faces of the mobile terminal 100.

In case that the display 151 and the touch sensor 137 configures amutual layer structure (hereinafter called ‘touch screen’), it is ableto use the display 151 as an input device as well as an output device.In this case, the touch sensor can be configured as a touch film, atouch sheet, a touch pad or the like.

The touch sensor 137 can be configured to convert a pressure applied toa specific portion of the display 151 or a variation of a capacitancegenerated from a specific portion of the display 151 to an electricinput signal. Moreover, it is able to configure the touch sensor 137 todetect a pressure of a touch as well as a touched position or size.

If a touch input is made to the touch sensor 137, signal(s)corresponding to the touch is transferred to a touch controller. Thetouch controller processes the signal(s) and then transfers theprocessed signal(s) to the controller 180. Therefore, the controller 180is able to know whether a prescribed portion of the display 151 istouched.

Referring to FIG. 2, a proximity sensor (141) can be provided to aninternal area of the mobile terminal 100 enclosed by the touchscreen oraround the touchscreen. The proximity sensor is the sensor that detectsa presence or non-presence of an object approaching a prescribeddetecting surface or an object existing around the proximity sensorusing an electromagnetic field strength or infrared ray withoutmechanical contact. Hence, the proximity sensor has durability longerthan that of a contact type sensor and also has utility wider than thatof the contact type sensor.

The proximity sensor can include one of a transmittive photoelectricsensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflectivephotoelectric sensor, a radio frequency oscillation proximity sensor, anelectrostatic capacity proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, aninfrared proximity sensor and the like. In case that the touchscreenincludes the electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, it is configuredto detect the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric fieldaccording to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touchscreen(touch sensor) can be classified as the proximity sensor.

For clarity and convenience of the following description, as a pointerbecomes proximate to a touchscreen without coming into contact with thetouchscreen, if the pointer is perceived as situated over thetouchscreen, such an action shall be named ‘proximity touch’. If apointer actually comes into contact with a touchscreen, such an actionshall be named ‘contact touch’. A proximity-touched position over thetouchscreen with the pointer may mean a position at which the pointervertically opposes the touchscreen when the touchscreen isproximity-touched with the pointer.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touchpattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch duration, aproximity touch position, a proximity touch shift state, etc.). And,information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and thedetected proximity touch pattern can be outputted to the touchscreen.

The audio output module 152 functions in various modes including acall-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voicerecognition mode, a broadcast reception mode and the like to outputaudio data which is received from the wireless communication unit 110 oris stored in the memory 160. During operation, the audio output module152 outputs audio relating to a particular function (e.g., callreceived, message received, etc.). The audio output module 152 is oftenimplemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producingdevices, and combinations thereof.

The alarm unit 153 is output a signal for announcing the occurrence of aparticular event associated with the mobile terminal 100. Typical eventsinclude a call received event, a message received event and a touchinput received event. The alarm unit 153 is able to output a signal forannouncing the event occurrence by way of vibration as well as video oraudio signal. The video or audio signal can be outputted via the display151 or the audio output unit 152. Hence, the display 151 or the audiooutput module 152 can be regarded as a part of the alarm unit 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that can besensed by a user. Vibration is a representative one of the tactileeffects generated by the haptic module 154. Strength and pattern of thevibration generated by the haptic module 154 are controllable. Forinstance, different vibrations can be outputted in a manner of beingsynthesized together or can be outputted in sequence.

The haptic module 154 is able to generate various tactile effects aswell as the vibration. For instance, the haptic module 154 generates theeffect attributed to the arrangement of pins vertically moving against acontact skin surface, the effect attributed to the injection/suctionpower of air though an injection/suction hole, the effect attributed tothe skim over a skin surface, the effect attributed to the contact withelectrode, the effect attributed to the electrostatic force, the effectattributed to the representation of hold/cold sense using an endothermicor exothermic device and the like.

The haptic module 154 can be implemented to enable a user to sense thetactile effect through a muscle sense of finger, arm or the like as wellas to transfer the tactile effect through a direct contact. Optionally,at least two haptic modules 154 can be provided to the mobile terminal100 in accordance with the corresponding configuration type of themobile terminal 100.

The memory unit 160 is generally used to store various types of data tosupport the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobileterminal 100. Examples of such data include program instructions forapplications operating on the mobile terminal 100, contact data,phonebook data, messages, audio, still pictures (or photo), movingpictures, etc. And, a recent use history or a cumulative use frequencyof each data (e.g., use frequency for each phonebook, each message oreach multimedia) can be stored in the memory unit 160. Moreover, datafor various patterns of vibration and/or sound outputted in case of atouch input to the touchscreen can be stored in the memory unit 160.

The memory 160 may be implemented using any type or combination ofsuitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices includinghard disk, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory(SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-onlymemory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory,magnetic or optical disk, multimedia card micro type memory, card-typememory (e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), or other similar memory ordata storage device. And, the mobile terminal 100 is able to operate inassociation with a web storage for performing a storage function of thememory 160 on Internet.

The interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple the mobileterminal 100 with external devices. The interface unit 170 receives datafrom the external devices or is supplied with the power and thentransfers the data or power to the respective elements of the mobileterminal 100 or enables data within the mobile terminal 100 to betransferred to the external devices. The interface unit 170 may beconfigured using a wired/wireless headset port, an external chargerport, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port forcoupling to a device having an identity module, audio input/outputports, video input/output ports, an earphone port and/or the like.

The identity module is the chip for storing various kinds of informationfor authenticating a use authority of the mobile terminal 100 and caninclude User Identify Module (UIM), Subscriber Identify Module (SIM),Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and/or the like. A devicehaving the identity module (hereinafter called ‘identity device’) can bemanufactured as a smart card. Therefore, the identity device isconnectible to the mobile terminal 100 via the corresponding port.

When the mobile terminal 110 is connected to an external cradle, theinterface unit 170 becomes a passage for supplying the mobile terminal100 with a power from the cradle or a passage for delivering variouscommand signals inputted from the cradle by a user to the mobileterminal 100. Each of the various command signals inputted from thecradle or the power can operate as a signal enabling the mobile terminal100 to recognize that it is correctly loaded in the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 performs thecontrol and processing associated with voice calls, data communications,video calls, etc. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181that provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may beconfigured as part of the controller 180, or implemented as a separatecomponent.

Moreover, the controller 180 is able to perform a pattern (or image)recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picturedrawing input carried out on the touchscreen as characters or images,respectively.

The power supply unit 190 provides power required by the variouscomponents for the mobile terminal 100. The power may be internal power,external power, or combinations thereof.

A battery may include a built-in rechargeable battery and may bedetachably attached to the terminal body for a charging and the like. Aconnecting port may be configured as one example of the interface 170via which an external charger for supplying a power of a batterycharging is electrically connected.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium using, for example, computer software,hardware, or some combination thereof.

For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may beimplemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processingdevices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers,microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform thefunctions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. Suchembodiments may also be implemented by the controller 180.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may beimplemented with separate software modules, such as procedures andfunctions, each of which perform one or more of the functions andoperations described herein. The software codes can be implemented witha software application written in any suitable programming language andmay be stored in memory such as the memory 160, and executed by acontroller or processor, such as the controller 180.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according toone embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 shown in the drawing has a bar type terminalbody. Yet, the mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in a variety ofdifferent configurations. Examples of such configurations includefolder-type, slide-type, rotational-type, swing-type and combinationsthereof. For clarity, further disclosure will primarily relate to abar-type mobile terminal 100. However such teachings apply equally toother types of mobile terminals.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the mobile terminal 100 includes a case (101, 102,103) configuring an exterior thereof. In the present embodiment, thecase can be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Variouselectric/electronic parts are loaded in a space provided between thefront and rear cases 101 and 102.

Occasionally, electronic components can be mounted on a surface of therear case 102. The electronic part mounted on the surface of the rearcase 102 may include such a detachable part as a battery, a USIM card, amemory card and the like. In doing so, the rear case 102 may furtherinclude a backside cover 103 configured to cover the surface of the rearcase 102. In particular, the backside cover 103 has a detachableconfiguration for user's convenience. If the backside cover 103 isdetached from the rear case 102, the surface of the rear case 102 isexposed.

Referring to FIG. 2, if the backside cover 103 is attached to the rearcase 102, a lateral side of the rear case 102 may be exposed in part. Ifa size of the backside cover 103 is decreased, a rear side of the rearcase 102 may be exposed in part. If the backside cover 103 covers thewhole rear side of the rear case 102, it may include an opening 103′configured to expose a camera 121′ or an audio output unit 152′externally.

The cases 101, 102 and 103 are formed by injection molding of syntheticresin or can be formed of metal substance such as stainless steel (STS),titanium (Ti) or the like for example.

A display 151, an audio output unit 152, a camera 121, user input units130/131 and 132, a microphone 122, an interface 180 and the like can beprovided to the case 101 or 102.

The display 151 occupies most of a main face of the front case 101. Theaudio output unit 152 and the camera 121 are provided to an areaadjacent to one of both end portions of the display 151, while the userinput unit 131 and the microphone 122 are provided to another areaadjacent to the other end portion of the display 151. The user inputunit 132 and the interface 170 can be provided to lateral sides of thefront and rear cases 101 and 102.

The input unit 130 is manipulated to receive a command for controllingan operation of the terminal 100. And, the input unit 130 is able toinclude a plurality of manipulating units 131 and 132. The manipulatingunits 131 and 132 can be named a manipulating portion and may adopt anymechanism of a tactile manner that enables a user to perform amanipulation action by experiencing a tactile feeling.

Content inputted by the first or second manipulating unit 131 or 132 canbe diversely set. For instance, such a command as start, end, scroll andthe like is inputted to the first manipulating unit 131. And, a commandfor a volume adjustment of sound outputted from the audio output unit152 and the like can be inputted to the second manipulating unit 132, acommand for a switching to a touch recognizing mode of the display 151and the like can be inputted to the second manipulating unit 133.

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of a backside of the terminal shown inFIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a camera 121′ can be additionally provided to abackside of the terminal body, and more particularly, to the rear case102. The camera 121 has a photographing direction that is substantiallyopposite to that of the front camera 121 shown in FIG. 2 and may havepixels differing from those of the front camera 121.

Preferably, for instance, the front camera 121 has low pixels enough tocapture and transmit a picture of user's face for a video call, whilethe rear camera 121′ has high pixels for capturing a general subject forphotography without transmitting the captured subject. And, each of thecameras 121 and 121′ can be installed at the terminal body to be rotatedor popped up.

A flash 123 and a mirror 124 are additionally provided adjacent to thecamera 121′. The flash 123 projects light toward a subject in case ofphotographing the subject using the camera 121′. In case that a userattempts to take a picture of the user (self-photography) using thecamera 121′, the mirror 124 enables the user to view user's facereflected by the mirror 124.

An additional audio output unit 152′ can be provided to the backside ofthe terminal body. The additional audio output unit 152′ is able toimplement a stereo function together with the former audio output unit152 shown in FIG. 2 and may be used for implementation of a speakerphonemode in talking over the terminal.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna 116 can be additionally provided tothe lateral side of the terminal body as well as an antenna forcommunication or the like. The antenna 116 constructing a portion of thebroadcast receiving module 111 shown in FIG. 1 can be retractablyprovided to the terminal body.

For clarity, assume that the mobile terminal 100 according to thepresent invention includes at least one of the configuration elementsdepicted in FIG. 1. Specifically, assume that the mobile terminal 100according to the present invention includes the camera 121, the sensingunit 140, the display 151, the memory 160 and the controller 180 amongthe configuration elements depicted in FIG. 1. In some cases, it mayassume that the mobile terminal 100 according to the present inventionfurther includes the wireless communication unit 110 and the microphone122.

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention may include asingle camera 121 or may include the front camera 121 and the rearcamera 121′ as depicted in the examples of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Althoughit is not depicted, it is apparent that the mobile terminal 100 isequipped with two or more cameras 121.

And, if the display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 according to thepresent invention corresponds to a touch screen, which plays a role ofan input device for receiving a user input as well as an output devicefor outputting information, the present invention may be more easilyimplemented. Hence, assume that the display 151 corresponds to the touchscreen in the following description. Yet, it is not mandatory that thedisplay 151 according to the present invention corresponds to the touchscreen. If the mobile terminal 100 according to the present inventiondoes not correspond to the touch screen, the mobile terminal 100 mayreceive a user input via separate input devices configured to receivethe user input (of course, although the display 151 corresponds to thetouch screen, the mobile terminal can include separate input devicesexcept the touch screen).

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention is explainedin detail with reference to drawings in the following.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for an operation of the mobile terminal 100according to one example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4,if a user input is received on a button of the camera 121 [S401], thecontroller 180 controls a preview image of the camera to be outputted orcan control a picture to be immediately captured without outputting thepreview image of the camera. Specifically, if a first user input isreceived from a user, the controller 180 controls the preview image ofthe camera to be outputted in the display 151 [S402]. On the contrary,if a second user input is received from the user, the controller cancontrol a picture to be taken without outputting the preview image ofthe camera [S404]. In this case, the preview image of the camera mayindicate data obtained by performing a digital processing on an imageinputted to the camera in real-time. If the preview image of the camerais outputted by receiving the first user input, the controller 180 cantake a picture [S404] when a capturing command is inputted from the useronly [S403]. Unlike a case of receiving the first user input, if thesecond user input is received, since a process of outputting the previewimage of the camera and a process of receiving the capturing commandwhile outputting the preview image of the camera 121 can be omitted,there is a merit in that a picture can be quickly captured.

In this case, various methods can be applied to the first and the seconduser input. Regarding this, it shall be described with reference to FIG.5 a to FIG. 5 f in the following.

FIG. 5 a to FIG. 5 f are diagrams for explaining various examples ofinputting a first user input and a second user input.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 5 a, one of the first user input andthe second user input may correspond to a short touch touching a camera121 icon (i.e., touching the camera 121 icon with a pointer andimmediately releasing a contact of the pointer) and the other one maycorrespond to a long touch touching the camera 121 icon (i.e.,maintaining a state of touching the camera 121 icon for more than apredetermined time).

As a different example, as depicted in an example FIG. 5 b, one of thefirst user input and the second user input may correspond to the shorttouch touching the camera 121 icon and the other one may correspond toan input of a voice command while the touch of the camera 121 icon ismaintained.

As depicted in an example FIG. 5 c, one of the first user input and thesecond user input may correspond to a flicking, which flicks a pointerinto a first direction after touching the camera 121 icon and the otherone may correspond to a flicking, which flicks the pointer into a seconddirection after touching the camera 121 icon.

As a different example, as depicted in FIG. 5 d, one of the first userinput and the second user input may correspond to the short touchtouching the camera 121 icon and the other one may correspond to aflicking, which flicks the pointer into a predetermined direction aftertouching the camera 121 icon.

As depicted in an example FIG. 5 e, one of the first user input and thesecond user input may correspond to a touch of a first icon 510 and theother one may correspond to a touch of a second icon 520.

In order to increase accessibility of a user, an icon (or button) forinputting the first and the second user input may be displayed all thetime in the display when the display 151 is turned on irrespective of anoutput change of the display 151. As an example, as depicted in FIGS. 5f(a) and (b), the controller 180 can control the icon (or button) 530for inputting the first and the second user input to be continuouslydisplayed irrespective of the change of the output of the display 151.Of course, a location of the icon (or button) 530 for inputting thefirst and the second user input can be freely adjusted by a user. Inthis case, in order to prevent the icon (or button) 530 for inputtingthe first and the second user input from blocking an output of thedisplay 151, the icon (or button) can be translucently displayed. Theicon (or button), which is always displayed in the display irrespectiveof the output change of the display 151 to increase accessibility of auser, is called an assistive object in the following embodiment.

As depicted in the examples of FIG. 5 a to FIG. 5 f, various inputmethods can be configured by the first and the second user input. Aconfiguration example of the first and the second user input may benon-limited to the examples depicted in FIG. 5 a to FIG. 5 f. Variousinput methods, which are not shown in the diagrams, can be configured bythe first and the second user input. As an example, one of the firstuser input and the second user input may correspond to a touch of thecamera icon and the other one may correspond to a touch of a physicalkey.

An operation of the mobile terminal 100 in case of receiving the firstand the second user input is explained in detail with reference tofollowing drawings.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminalwhen a first user input is received. For clarity, assume that a shorttouch of a camera icon 610 corresponds to the first user input.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 6( a), if the camera icon 610 isshortly touched, the controller 180 turns on the camera 121 and cancontrol a preview image, which is a processed image of an image inputtedto the camera 121 in real-time, to be outputted via the display 151. Inthis case, the controller 180 can control menu items (e.g., a capturebutton 621, a setting button 622, a camera switching button 623, atoggle button 624, a flash button 625, a thumbnail button 626 and thelike) configured to control an operation of the camera 121 to bedisplayed via the display 151.

First of all, the menu items depicted in FIG. 6( b) are brieflyexplained. The capture button 621 can be used for a user to input acapturing command. If the capture button 621 is touched, the controller180 can capture an image inputted to the camera 121 when the capturebutton 621 is touched. The capturing command can be triggered by thecapture button or a voice of a user.

The setting button 622 is used for adjusting various settings of thecamera. Specifically, a user can adjust a capturing mode of the camera,resolution of a picture to be captured, and the like via the settingbutton 622. In this case, the capturing mode of the camera is used forcalling a suitable setting value of the camera in accordance with a typeof a subject. When the capturing mode is adjusted, the controller 180can control a preset setting value of the camera to be applied. In thiscase, the setting value of the camera may indicate an aperture value, anexposure value, a shutter speed, an ISO speed, and the like of thecamera. In general, the capturing mode of the camera can be set to aportrait mode (a mode for capturing a person), a landscape mode (a modefor capturing a landscape), a close-up mode (a mode for capturing anobject positioned in a short distance), a night mode (a mode forcapturing in environment of less light), a fast mode (a mode forcapturing a subject moving fast), and the like, by which the presentinvention may be non-limited.

The camera 121 switching mode 623 is used for determining which camerais going to be used when two or more cameras are included in the mobileterminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 according to the present inventioncan take a picture using one of a front camera 121 and a rear camera121′ only. Or, the mobile terminal 100 according to the presentinvention may take a picture using the front camera 121 and the rearcamera 121′ at the same time.

The toggle button 624 may be used for selecting a type of data to betaken among a picture and a video. In case of capturing a picture, amomentary image is captured when a capturing command is inputted. On thecontrary, in case of capturing a video, images can be contiguouslycaptured from a point on which a capturing command is inputted to apoint on which the capturing is completed.

The flash button 625 is used for controlling On, Off, and automaticadjustment of a flash. In case of using the flash, a picture can beefficiently captured with a less amount of light.

The thumbnail button 626 may display a thumbnail of a recently capturedpicture. If the thumbnail button 626 is touched, a list of pictures andvideos captured by a user can be displayed by entering a gallery.

As depicted in FIG. 6( c), if a capturing command is inputted and apicture is captured, the controller 180 can control the captured pictureto be displayed to enable a user to check the captured picture. In thiscase, the captured picture may be displayed for a predetermined timeonly and a preview image may be displayed again after the predeterminedtime elapses.

Subsequently, an operation of the mobile terminal 100 is explained indetail when a second user input is received.

FIG. 7 a and FIG. 7 b are diagrams for explaining an operation of amobile terminal when a second user input is received. For clarity,assume that a long touch of a camera 121 icon 710 corresponds to thesecond user input.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 7 a, if the camera 121 icon 710 islong touched, the controller 180 turns on the camera 121 and can controla picture to be immediately taken without displaying a preview image ofthe camera. When a picture is captured, the controller 180 can controlthe picture to be displayed to enable a user to check the capturedpicture.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 7 b(a), although the mobile terminal100 is in a state of being locked, if the second user input is received,the controller 180 can control a picture to be captured withoutdisplaying a preview image. By doing so, the user can simply andpromptly take a picture without unlocking the mobile terminal 100.

As depicted in FIG. 7 a and FIG. 7 b, in case of capturing a picturewhile a process of displaying a preview image is omitted, a user cancapture a picture within a very short time. Yet, it is difficult toprecisely determine whether a preferred subject is captured in apreferred composition when the subject is captured. Hence, thecontroller 180 can control the preview image of the camera to be furtherdisplayed together with the captured picture when the capturing iscompleted. Regarding this, it shall be described with reference to FIG.8 in the following.

FIG. 8 a to FIG. 8 c are diagrams for simultaneously displaying acaptured picture and a preview image when a picture is captured by asecond user input. For clarity, assume that a long touch of a camera 121icon corresponds to the second user input.

If the camera 121 icon is long touched, the controller 180 can control apicture to be immediately captured without displaying a preview image ofthe camera. As depicted in examples of FIG. 8 a to FIG. 8 c, if thecaptured picture is not focused to a subject preferred by a user or doesnot include the subject preferred by the user, the controller 180 cancontrol the preview image to be displayed to enable the user to capturea picture again.

As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 8 a, the controller 180divides the display 151 into 2 areas and controls the preview image tobe displayed in one area 810 and controls the captured picture to bedisplayed in the other area 820.

As depicted in FIG. 8 b, the controller 180 can control a thumbnail 840of the captured picture to be displayed while a preview image 830 isdisplayed. In FIG. 8 b, the thumbnail of the captured picture isdisplayed via the thumbnail button 840.

As a different example, as depicted in FIG. 8 c, the controller 180 cancontrol the captured picture to be displayed in a manner of overlayingthe preview image (in FIG. 8 c, the preview image is represented by aline and the captured picture, which is displayed in a manner ofoverlaying the preview image, is represented by a dotted line). In thiscase, the controller can enable a user to see the captured picture andthe preview image at the same time in a manner of configuring thecaptured image to be translucent. The user overlaps the preview imageand the captured picture and may be then able to easily identify how acomposition of a current preview image is matched with a composition ofthe captured picture.

When a picture is captured by a second user input, since a process ofdisplaying the preview image is omitted, a user cannot have a chance tocheck an object to be captured. Hence, the user cannot manually focus ona preferred subject. As a result, the subject preferred by the user maybe defocused. In this case, the controller 180 can automatically adjusta focus in accordance with a situation or based on a voice indication ofthe user in case of capturing a picture by the second user input.

FIG. 9 a to FIG. 9 e are diagrams for explaining an example ofautomatically adjusting a focus when a picture is captured by a seconduser input. For clarity, a subject in which a focus is adjusted isrepresented with a thick line.

In case of capturing a picture by the second user input, the controller180 can control a focus to be adjusted to a subject positioned in themiddle. Specifically, as depicted in an example of FIG. 9 a, thecontroller 180 can take a picture in a manner of focusing on a subject910 positioned in the middle of a plurality of subjects 910/920/930.When a picture is captured, a user generally takes a picture in a mannerof putting a subject in the middle of the picture. Hence, if a focus isadjusted to the subject positioned in the middle, the user may obtain apicture where the focus is adjusted to the preferred subject except aspecial case.

As a different example, the controller 180 can control a focus to beadjusted to a subject positioned in the nearest from the camera 121. Forclarity, assume that a proximity extent of subjects located in acapturing direction is a person 910>a tree 920>a cat 930 in sequence. Incase of capturing a picture by the second user input, as depicted inFIG. 9 b(b), the controller 180 can take a picture in a manner offocusing on a subject positioned in the nearest from the camera 121.Since the person 910 corresponds to the nearest subject from the camera121 in FIG. 9 b(b), the controller 180 can take a picture in a manner offocusing on the person 910 as depicted in FIG. 9 b(b).

As a different example, the controller 180 can control a focus to beautomatically adjusted to a person in case of capturing a picture by thesecond user input. FIG. 9 c is a diagram for an example of a picturewhere the focus is adjusted to a person. As depicted in the example ofFIG. 9 c, it is able to control a picture to be captured in a mannerthat a focus is automatically adjusted to a person among a plurality ofsubjects 910/920/930. If a plurality of persons are included in an imageinputted to the camera 121, the controller 180 may focus on the personpositioned in the middle or may focus on the person nearest from thecamera 121 as depicted in the examples of FIG. 9 a and FIG. 9 b,respectively.

The controller 180 may focus on an object indicated by a voice commandof a user. As an example, if a second user input corresponds to an inputof a voice command while the camera 121 button is touched, thecontroller 180 can control a picture to be captured in a manner offocusing on the object indicated by the voice command. As an example, asdepicted in FIG. 9 d(a), if a user inputs such a voice as ‘cat’ whiletouching the camera 121 button, the controller 180 can control a pictureto be captured in a manner of focusing on a cat as depicted in FIG. 9d(b).

If the user says a name of a person, the controller 180 can take apicture in a manner of focusing on the person designated by the user. Asan example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 9 e(a), if the user inputsa such a voice as ‘John’ while touching the camera 121 button, thecontroller 180 searches for John in an image inputted to the camera 121and can control a picture to be captured in a manner of focusing on theJohn as depicted in an example of FIG. 9 e(b). The controller 180 mayrecognize the person indicated by the voice of the user in the imagewhich is inputted to the camera 121 using a picture of a user registeredin a telephone directory, a pre-captured picture including informationon the captured person, and the like.

When a picture is captured by a first user input, various setting of thecamera can be changed via the menu items provided with the previewimage. Yet, when a picture is captured by a second user input, a chancefor manipulating the menu items is not provided. Hence, a user may havea problem in that the picture is captured without changing the settingof the camera. Accordingly, the controller 180 can control the settingof the camera to be appropriately adjusted according to a situation whenthe picture is captured by the second user input. Regarding this, itshall be described in detail with reference to following drawings.

FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b are diagrams for explaining an example ofautomatically adjusting a camera setting when a picture is captured by asecond user input.

As depicted in FIG. 10 a, when a person 1010 is captured by the seconduser input, the controller 180 can control the camera setting to beadjusted to make the camera setting to be appropriate for capturing aperson. In particular, the controller 180 can control the camera settingto be modified in accordance with a capturing mode (i.e., portrait mode)suitable for capturing a person.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 10 b, in case of capturing a picturein a dark place, the controller 180 can control the camera setting to beadjusted to make the camera setting to be appropriate for capturing inthe dark place (e.g., it may open the aperture or increase sensitivityof the camera to the max). In particular, the controller 180 can controlthe camera setting to be modified in accordance with a capturing mode(i.e., night mode) suitable for capturing a picture in a darkenvironment. The controller 180 may determine whether the mobileterminal 100 is positioned at the dark place based on a signal detectedby the sensing unit 140 (specifically, an illumination sensor).

Although it is not depicted, in case of capturing a picture in anenvironment where the mobile terminal 100 moves fast, the controller 180can control the camera setting to be adjusted to make the camera settingto be appropriate for capturing a subject that moves fast (e.g., ashutter speed is reduced to the minimum). In particular, the controller180 can control the camera setting to be modified in accordance with acapturing mode (i.e., fast mode) suitable for capturing the subject thatmoves fast. The controller 180 may determine whether the mobile terminal100 is moving fast based on a speed and the like measured using a signaldetected by the sensing unit 140 (specifically, an acceleration sensor),GPS, and the like.

As mentioned in the foregoing description, the controller 180 can selecta capturing mode appropriate for a subject to be captured or a capturingenvironment. In order to inform a user of a capturing mode of a picture,the controller 180 can control feedbacks different from each other to beoutputted according to the capturing mode which is selected when thepicture is captured. For instance, if a picture is captured in theportrait mode, the controller controls such a voice as ‘person’ to beoutputted as a feedback. If a picture is captured in the fast mode, thecontroller controls such a voice as ‘fast’ to be outputted as afeedback. The controller 180 can control sound signals different fromeach other to be outputted in accordance with a capturing mode. Besides,the controller 180 may output a feedback in a form of vibration, LEDflickering, or the like.

FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b have shown examples that the capturing mode ofthe camera is automatically selected according to the environment atwhich the mobile terminal 100 is positioned. Unlike the examples, thecapturing mode of the camera can be manually adjusted by a user.Specifically, the controller 180 can control a picture to be captured inaccordance with a capturing mode indicated by a second user input.Regarding this, it shall be described in detail with reference to FIG.11.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of capturing a picture ina capturing mode indicated by a second user input. For clarity, assumethat the second user input corresponds to a flicking of a pointer to apredetermined direction after touching a camera 121 icon.

The controller 180 touches the camera 121 icon and may be then able todetermine a capturing mode of the camera based on a flicking directionof the pointer. As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 11, ifthe pointer touching the camera 121 icon moves to an upper direction, itmay correspond to a capturing mode for capturing a picture in theportrait mode and if the pointer moves to a bottom direction, it maycorrespond to a capturing mode for capturing a picture in the landscapemode. Moreover, if the pointer moves to a left direction, it maycorrespond to a capturing mode for capturing a picture in the fast modeand if the pointer moves to a right direction, it may correspond to acapturing mode for capturing a picture in the night mode.

In particular, as depicted in the example of FIG. 11, the controller 180may take a picture by selecting a capturing mode (i.e., capturing modecorresponding to a moving direction of the pointer touching the camera121 icon) which is manually designated by the second user input.

As depicted in the examples of FIG. 10 a, FIG. 10 b and FIG. 11, it maytake a picture coinciding with what a user prefers as much as possiblein a manner of appropriately selecting a capturing mode of the camerabefore the picture is captured. As depicted in the examples of FIG. 10a, FIG. 10 b and FIG. 11, instead of selecting a capturing mode of thecamera before a picture is captured (or in addition to selecting thecapturing mode of the camera before a picture is captured), thecontroller 180 can control a picture to be revised after the picture iscaptured. Although it is not depicted, the controller 180 can beconfigured to revise brightness, a hue, and a tone (e.g., sepia tone,grey tone, etc.) of the captured picture after capturing the picture.

If a preview image is displayed by inputting a first user input, a usercan take a picture via menu items provided together with the previewimage in a manner of selecting at least one of a front camera 121 and arear camera 121′. Yet, when a picture is captured by a second userinput, it is not clear which one is used for capturing the picture amongthe front camera 121 and the rear camera 121′ since a chance formanipulating the menu items is not provided. Accordingly, the controller180 captures a picture selectively using one of the front camera 121 andthe rear camera 121′ according to a default setting value. Or, thecontroller 180 may take a picture using the front camera 121 and therear camera 121′ at the same time. In case of capturing a picture usingthe front camera 121 and the rear camera 121′ at the same time, thecontroller 180 may generate two picture files (a picture captured by thefront camera 121 and a picture captured by the rear camera 121′) or maygenerate one picture file (merging the picture captured by the frontcamera 121 and the picture captured by the rear camera 121′ with eachother)

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention can take apicture in a manner of appropriately using at least one of the frontcamera 121 and the rear camera 121′ in accordance with a situation whenthe picture is captured by a second user input. Regarding this, it shallbe described in detail with reference to FIG. 12 in the following.

FIG. 12 a and FIG. 12 b are diagrams for explaining an example ofcapturing a picture by selecting at least one of a front camera and arear camera according to environment of capturing the picture inaccordance with a second user input. For clarity, as depicted inexamples of FIG. 12 a(a) and FIG. 12 b(b), assume that an object to becaptured by the front camera 121 corresponds to a person (i.e., aphotographer) 1210 and an object to be captured by the rear camera 121′corresponds to a tree 1220.

The controller 180 can select at least one of the front camera 121 andthe rear camera 121′ based on whether the mobile terminal 100 is tilted.As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 12 a(b), if a seconduser input is inputted when the mobile terminal 100 is tilted in ahorizontal orientation, the controller 180 can control a picture to becaptured by the rear camera 121′ (or the front camera 121). On thecontrary, as depicted in an example of FIG. 12 a(c), if the second userinput is inputted when the mobile terminal 100 is tilted in a verticalorientation, the controller 180 can control a picture to be captured bythe front camera 121 (or the rear camera 121′). In particular, asdepicted in the examples of FIG. 12 a, the controller 180 can capture apicture by selecting one of the front camera 121 and the rear camera121′ according to whether the mobile terminal 100 is put in thehorizontal orientation or the vertical orientation. In this case,whether the mobile terminal is put in the horizontal orientation or thevertical orientation can be determined by a signal detected by thesensing unit 140 (e.g., an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and thelike).

The controller 180 may select at least one of the front camera 121 andthe rear camera 121′ based on a state that the mobile terminal 100 isgripped. As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 12 b(b), if asecond user input is inputted when a user grips the mobile terminal 100using both hands, the controller 180 can control a picture to becaptured by the rear camera 121′ (or the front camera 121). On thecontrary, as depicted in an example of FIG. 12 b(c), if the second userinput is inputted when the user grips the mobile terminal 100 with ahand, the controller 180 can control a picture to be captured by thefront camera 121 (or the rear camera 121′). In this case, whether themobile terminal 100 is gripped with both hands or a hand can bedetermined by a signal detected by the sensing unit 140 (e.g., a gripsensor).

As depicted in the examples of FIG. 12 a and FIG. 12 b, the controller180 can control a picture to be captured using one of the front camera121 and the rear camera 121′ in accordance with an operation state ofthe mobile terminal 100.

A user may take a picture while watching a preview image after a firstuser input is inputted. Or, the user may take a picture withoutoutputting the preview image due to a second user input. Capturing apicture by the second user input may be helpful in quickly taking apicture compared to capturing a picture by the first user input since astep of outputting the preview image is omitted. In particular, the usermay operate the mobile terminal 100 to perform a prompt picturecapturing by the second user input in case of capturing a fast movingsubject or in an urgent situation. As mentioned in the foregoingdescription, the controller 180 can capture a plurality of pictures incase of capturing a picture by the second user input in a manner ofconsidering that a picture capturing will be initiated by the seconduser input in the situation as urgent as omitting the preview image. Thecontroller 180 can capture a plurality of the pictures as many as apredetermined number or may take a plurality of the pictures in a mannerof continuously capturing pictures until a contact of a pointer isreleased from a prescribed icon. An output of the mobile terminal 100 incase of capturing a plurality of the pictures is described in detailwith reference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 a and FIG. 13 b is a diagram for an example of an output of amobile terminal 100 when a plurality of pictures are captured by asecond user input. If a plurality of the pictures are captured, thecontroller 180 can arrange a plurality of the pictures in a tile form asdepicted in FIG. 13 a(a) or may arrange a plurality of the pictures in astair form (i.e., a form that an image positioned at the front sideblocks a part of an image positioned at the back side) as depicted inFIG. 13 a(b). As depicted in an example of FIG. 13 a(a), if a pluralityof the pictures are arranged in the tile form, a user selects a picturefrom a plurality of the pictures to see the selected picture large. Asdepicted in an example of FIG. 13 a(b), if a plurality of the picturesare arranged in the stair form, the user drags a pointer to select andsee one of a plurality of the pictures.

If at least one of a plurality of the pictures is selected, thecontroller 180 can control remaining pictures except the selectedpicture to be automatically deleted. In particular, as depicted in anexample of FIG. 13 b(a), if the user selects at least one picturecorresponding to an intention of the user from a plurality of thepictures, the controller 180 can control all of the remaining picturesexcept the selected picture to be deleted to delete unnecessary picturesfrom the memory 160. As depicted in the example of FIG. 13 b(a), thecontroller 180 may display a menu window 1340 capable of determiningwhether to delete the remaining pictures before deleting the remainingpictures. If a user input inputted to the menu window 1340 indicates todelete the remaining pictures, the controller 180 can control theremaining pictures to be deleted except the picture selected by the useras depicted in an example of FIG. 13 b(b).

The controller 180 can capture a plurality of pictures in a manner ofvarying a focal length. Regarding this, it shall be described in detailwith reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of capturing a pluralityof pictures in a manner of varying a focal length. For clarity, assumethat a subject in which a focus is adjusted is represented with a thickline and a distance between each of the subjects 1410/1420/1430 whichare put in a capturing direction and the camera are different from eachother.

In case of capturing a plurality of pictures in response to a seconduser input, as depicted in an example of FIG. 14( b), the controller 180can control pictures in which a focus is adjusted from a subjectpositioned in a short distance to a subject positioned at a longdistance to be secured in a manner of capturing a plurality of thepictures including various focal lengths of the camera. As depicted inthe example of FIG. 14( b), if a plurality of the pictures includingvarious focal lengths are captured, a user may easily obtain a pictureof a subject in which a focus is adjusted, which corresponds to thesubject that the user wants to capture.

If the second user input is inputted, a picture is captured withoutdisplaying a preview image. Hence, the user cannot precisely expect thepicture to be captured. Accordingly, if distortion for an output (i.e.,a captured picture) of capturing a picture, which is captured by thesecond used input, is gross, the controller 180 can control a feedbackconfigured to inform a user of the distortion of the captured picture tobe outputted. Regarding this, it shall be described in detail withreference to FIG. 15 in the following.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example that a captured pictureis distorted. If the camera 121 is activated by inputting the seconduser input, an image falls on an image sensing device of the camera anda picture is captured in a manner of processing the image into a digitalimage. As depicted in an example of FIG. 15( a), if a picture iscaptured by the second user input, the controller 180 configures a focusarea in the image falling on the image sensing device and may be thenable to capture a picture (FIG. 15( a) shows an example that a focus isadjusted to a car 1510). Yet, as depicted in an example of FIG. 15( b),if a subject is not properly captured since the subject relatively movestoo fast, the controller 180 can determine as a captured picture isdistorted (FIG. 15( b) shows an example that a part of the car 1510 hasdeviated from a frame). In particular, if a subject is not properlycaptured since the subject moves fast for a moment between a timingpoint on which the focus area is configured and a timing point on whichan actual capturing is initiated, the controller 180 can determined thatthe captured picture is distorted.

Although it is not depicted, if sharpness of the captured picture isless than a predetermined value due to a movement of the mobile terminal100 or a movement of a subject, if brightness of the captured picture isless than a predetermined value since surrounding is too dark, or thelike, the controller 180 can determine the captured picture isdistorted.

If the captured picture is determined as distorted, the controller 180can output a feedback configured to inform a user of the distortion ofthe captured picture. The feedback can be outputted in a form of sounddata, vibration, LED flickering, or the like.

As a different example, if the captured picture is determined asdistorted, the controller 180 may automatically take a picture one moretime. In this case, the controller 180 may automatically adjust thecamera 121 setting according to a reason for the distortion of thecaptured picture. For instance, if the sharpness of the captured pictureis low, the controller can capture a picture again by reducing a shutterspeed. If the brightness of the captured picture is low, the controllercan capture a picture again by increasing the extent of opening theaperture or the sensitivity of the camera.

As mentioned in the foregoing description, the mobile terminal 100according to the present invention may capture a picture after a previewimage is displayed or may quickly capture a picture without displayingthe preview image. In the following, various embodiments capable ofbeing expanded by the mobile terminal 100 according to the presentinvention are described.

<In-App Capturing>

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention can output apreview image while an application except a camera 121 application isexecuting or without displaying the preview image. Regarding this, itshall be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminalwhen a first user input or a second user input is inputted in the middleof executing an application. For clarity, assume that the mobileterminal 100 is executing a memo application.

In the middle of executing an application, a user can display a previewimage by inputting a first user input or a second user input or the usercan take a picture without displaying the preview image. In this case,as depicted in an example of FIGS. 16( a) and (b), a camera 121 icon (orbutton) 1610 for inputting the first user input or the second user inputcan be provided via a virtual keypad.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 16( a), if the first user input (e.g.,a short touch on the camera 121 icon 1610 of the virtual keypad) isinputted form the user, the controller 180 can control a preview image1620 of the camera to be displayed on an execution screen of anapplication in a manner of overlaying the execution screen. A displayposition of the preview image 1620, which is displayed in a manner ofoverlaying the execution screen, and a size of the preview image can bemanually adjusted by the user.

Unlike the aforementioned description, if a second input is inputted(e.g., a long touch on the camera 121 icon 1610 of the virtual keypad),the controller 180 immediately captures a picture without displaying thepreview image and may control a captured picture 1630 to beautomatically inserted into a document in editing as depicted in anexample of FIG. 16( b). As depicted in the example of FIG. 16( b), it isapparent that the captured picture 1630 can be automatically inserted tothe document in an editing process in case that a picture is capturedvia the preview image.

If a picture is captured (for instance, the picture is captured via thepreview image or the picture is directly captured by the second userinput without displaying the preview image) while the mobile terminal100 is executing a messenger application (e.g., Kakao Talk, WhatsApp,etc.), the controller 180 can control the captured picture to beimmediately transmitted to a conversation counterpart. If a picture iscaptured while the mobile terminal 100 is executing a messageapplication or an e-mail application, the controller 180 can control thecaptured picture to be attached to a message or an e-mail in the courseof writing the message or the e-mail.

As mentioned in the foregoing description, if a picture is capturedwhile an application is executing, the controller 180 can control thecaptured picture to be applied to the currently executing application.

If the mobile terminal 100 is executing a plurality of applications atthe same time, the controller 180 may control the captured picture to beapplied to a single application only among a plurality of theapplications. Regarding this, it shall be described in detail withreference to FIG. 17 in the following.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminal100 when a picture is captured in the middle of executing a plurality ofapplications at the same time. For clarity, assume that the display 151is divided into two areas (I and II) and applications different fromeach other are displayed via the divided two areas, respectively.Specifically, assume that a first application (FIG. 17 shows an exampleof an e-mail application) is executed in a first area I and a secondapplication (FIG. 17 shows an example of a messenger application) isexecuted in a second area II.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 17( a), if a first user input (e.g., ashort touch on an assistive object 1710) is inputted while the firstapplication and the second application are executed at the same time,the controller 180 can control a preview image 1720 of the camera to bedisplayed on an execution screen of the first application and anexecution screen of the second application in a manner of overlaying theexecution screens.

Unlike the aforementioned description, if a second user input isinputted, the control unit 180 may capture a picture without displayinga preview image. As depicted in an example of FIG. 17( b), thecontroller 180 can control a picture 1730 captured from the previewimage or the second user input to be displayed on the execution screenof the first application and the execution screen of the secondapplication in a manner of overlaying the execution screens. In thiscase, if the captured picture is dragged, the controller 180 can controlthe captured picture to be applied to an application corresponding to apoint into which the dragged picture is dropped.

As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 17( c), if the capturedpicture is dragged and dropped into the first area I, the controller 180can control the captured picture to be applied to the first application(FIG. 17( c) shows an example that the picture 1730 is attached to thetext of the e-mail). Unlike to the aforementioned description, if thecaptured picture is dragged and dropped into the second area II, asdepicted in an example of FIG. 17( d), the controller 180 can controlthe captured picture to be applied to the second application (FIG. 17(d) shows an example that the captured picture 1730 is transmitted to aconversation counterpart in a message form).

As mentioned in the foregoing description, if a picture is capturedwhile an application is executing, the controller 180 can control thecaptured picture to be immediately applied to the currently executingapplication. By doing so, a user can easily apply the captured pictureto the application without performing a separate loading process.

<A Position in Which a Captured Picture is Displayed>

As mentioned earlier in FIG. 16, if a picture is captured by a firstuser input or a second user input in the middle of editing a document,the captured picture can be inserted into the document. If a picture iscaptured by the first user input in the middle of editing the document,the controller 180 can configure a position in which the capturedpicture is inserted to be identical to a position in which a previewimage is inserted. Regarding this, it shall be described in detail withreference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of inserting a capturedpicture into a position in which a preview image is outputted. Asdepicted in an example of FIG. 18( a), if a first user input (e.g., ashort touch on an assistive object) is inputted in the middle of editinga document, the controller 180 can control a preview image 1810 of thecamera to be displayed on an editing screen of the document. In thiscase, as depicted in examples of FIGS. 18( a) and (b), a position of thepreview image 1810 of the camera can be freely modified by a drag inputof a user (FIGS. 18( a) and (b) show an example that the preview image1810 has moved to the bottom from the middle of the screen by the draginput of the user). If a capturing command is inputted in the previewimage 1810, the controller 180 can capture a picture. In this case, thecontroller 180 can determine a position in which the preview image 1810is displayed when the capturing command is inputted as a position inwhich the captured picture is inserted. For instance, as depicted in theexample of FIG. 18( b), if the capturing command is inputted when thepreview image 1810 is positioned at the bottom of the editing document,the controller 180 can control the captured picture 1820 to be insertedin the bottom of the editing document as depicted in an example of FIG.18( c).

As mentioned in the foregoing description, the position in which thecaptured picture is displayed may depend on the position in which thepreview image is displayed. A user may preferentially determine aposition in which a picture to be captured is inserted by adjusting theposition of the preview image before the picture is captured.

<Configuring a Captured Picture as a Hyperlink Object>

Having selected a prescribed data by a user, if a picture is captured bya first user input or a second user input, the controller 180 cancontrol the captured picture to be configured as an object linked to theselected prescribed data. Regarding this, it shall be described indetail with reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for an example of configuring a captured picture asa link object of data selected by a user. The user can select data withwhich a picture to be captured will be linked before the first or thesecond user input is inputted. Subsequently, if a picture is captured bythe first user input or the second user input, the controller 180 cancontrol the captured picture to be configured as an object which islinked to the data selected by the user.

As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 19( a), if a picture iscaptured by the first user input or the second user input while such aword as ‘John’ is selected 1910, the controller 180 configures thecaptured picture as a hyperlink object of the word selected by the userand writes an identification marking 1920 on the word selected by theuser to inform that a hyperlink is configured on the word selected bythe user as depicted in an example of FIG. 19( b). If data to which thehyperlink is set is selected (e.g., touch on ‘John’), the controller 180can control the picture 1930, which is hyperlinked with the selecteddata, to be displayed as depicted in an example of FIG. 19( c).

As depicted in the examples of FIG. 19, the controller 180 can controlthe captured picture to be inserted into a document as a hyperlinkobject. By doing so, spatial waste possessed by the captured picture incase of inserting the captured picture into the document can beminimized and the captured picture can be loaded when a user needs thepicture only.

<Liaison Between a Captured Picture and Schedule>

If a picture is captured via a preview image or a second user inputwhile a scheduling application is executing, the controller 180 cancontrol the captured picture to be directly inserted into a schedule. Inthis case, the controller 180 may automatically determine a date towhich a schedule is added via a text recognition of the capturedpicture. Regarding this, it shall be described in detail with referenceto FIG. 20 and FIG. 21.

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are diagrams for explaining an example of adding acaptured picture to a schedule. FIG. 20 is a diagram for an example ofadding a captured picture to a schedule designated by a user and FIG. 21is a diagram for an example of automatically determining a date to whicha schedule is added using a text message extracted from the capturedpicture.

If a user long touches a specific date on the calendar, as depicted inan example of FIG. 20( a), the controller 180 can control a menu 2010for selecting data, which is intended to be added to the selected date,to be displayed. A ‘schedule add’ item 2012 displayed in the menu 2010is used for adding a schedule in a text form to the selected date. A‘picture add’ item 2014 displayed in the menu 2010 is used for adding aschedule together with a picture to the selected date.

If a first user input (e.g., a short touch on the ‘picture add’ item2014) is inputted on the menu item, the controller 180 can control apreview image 2020, which is used for capturing a picture to be added tothe selected date, to be outputted as depicted in an example of FIG. 20(b). On the contrary, if a second user input (e.g., a long touch on the‘picture add’ item 2014) is inputted on the menu item, the controller180 can control a picture to be immediately captured without outputtingthe preview image.

If a picture capturing command is inputted via the preview image 2020 orif a picture is captured by receiving a second user input, thecontroller 180 can control a captured picture 2030 to be added to thespecific date selected by the user as depicted in an example of FIG. 20(c).

FIG. 20( a) to (c) show an example that the captured picture can beadded to the selected specific date in case of capturing the pictureafter the user selects the specific date. On the contrary, thecontroller 180 captures a picture and may be then able to control thecaptured picture to be added to the specific date in a manner of waitingfor a selection of the specific date selected by the user.

Subsequently, an example that a date to which a picture to be added isautomatically determined based on a text extracted from the capturedpicture is explained in the following.

As depicted in an example of FIG. 21( a), if a first user input isinputted (e.g., a short touch on an assistive object 2110) while ascheduling application is executing, the controller 180 can control apreview image 2120 for capturing a picture to be displayed. On thecontrary, if a second user input is inputted (e.g., a long touch on theassistive object 2110), the controller 180 can control a picture to beimmediately captured without displaying the preview image.

If a picture is captured via the preview image 2120 or the second userinput, the controller 180 extracts a text from the captured picture 2130and may be then able to determine whether the extracted text indicates aprescribed date. As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 21(c), if a text 2132 indicating such a specific date as 2013 Sep. 13 isincluded the captured picture 2130, the controller 180 can control thecaptured picture 2130 to be added to the date (i.e., Sep. 13, 2013)indicated by the extracted text as depicted in an example of FIG. 21(d).

As depicted in FIG. 20, if the text indicating the specific date cannotbe extracted from the captured picture, the controller 180 may add thecaptured picture to a date designated by a user.

<Focusing on Data Selected by User>

If a user inputs a first user input or a second user input afterselecting a prescribed data, the controller 180 can display a previewimage or take a picture in a manner of focusing on an object capable ofbeing indicated by the prescribed data selected by the user. Regardingthis, it shall be described in detail with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG.23.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are diagrams for an example of capturing a picturein a manner of focusing into an object indicated by data selected by auser. For clarity, an object in which a focus is adjusted is representedwith a thick line.

A user can select data for indicating an object, which is intended to befocused, before inputting a first or a second user input. Subsequently,if a preview image or a picture is captured by the first user input orthe second user input, the controller 180 can control a focus to beadjusted to the object indicated by the data which is selected by theuser. As an example, if the first user input (e.g., a short touch on anassistive object 2210) is inputted while such a phrase as ‘joggingperson’ 2220 is selected, as depicted in an example of FIG. 22( b), thecontroller 180 outputs a preview image 2230 of the camera and may bethen able to control a focus to be adjusted to an object (i.e., ajogging person 2232 displayed in the preview image 2230) indicated bythe data 2220 which is selected by the user. If the second user input(e.g., a long touch on the assistive object 2210) is inputted while suchthe phrase as ‘jogging person’ 2220 is selected, the controller 180 cantake a picture in a manner of focusing on the object (i.e., joggingperson 2242) indicated by the selected data without displaying thepreview image as depicted in an example of FIG. 22( c). In this case,the controller 180 may extract the object indicated by the user from thetext selected by the user in a manner of performing a natural languageprocessing on the selected text.

If the data selected by the user corresponds to a name of a specificperson, the controller 180 may display a preview image where a focus isadjusted to the person indicated by the selected data or may control apicture to be captured in a manner of focusing on the person indicatedby the selected data. As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG.23( a), if the first input is inputted while such a name of a person2310 as ‘John’ is selected, the controller 180 outputs a preview image2320 of the camera and may be then able to control a focus to beadjusted to the person (i.e., John) indicated by the data 2310 which isselected by the user as depicted in an example of FIG. 23( b). If thesecond user input is inputted while such a name of a person 2310 as‘John’ is selected, the controller 180 may control a picture to becaptured in a manner of focusing on a person (i.e., John) indicated bythe selected data 2310 without displaying the preview image as depictedin an example of FIG. 23( c). The controller 180 may recognize theperson, which is indicated by the data selected from the user, using apicture of a user registered in a telephone directory, a pre-capturedpicture including information on the captured person, and the like.

If the data selected by the user indicates a plurality of objects, thecontroller 180 may control a plurality of pictures to be captured in amanner of focusing on each of a plurality of the objects. Regardingthis, it shall be described in detail with reference to FIG. 24 in thefollowing.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminal100 in case that a plurality of objects are indicated by data selectedby a user.

If a first user input or a second user input is inputted, the controller180 can determine an object indicated by the data, which is selected bythe user, in a manner of analyzing the data selected by the user. As anexample, in FIG. 24( a), ‘John’ and ‘Jane’ can be selected as theindicated objects from the data ‘John and Jane’ 2410 selected by theuser.

If the first user input is inputted while the data selected by the useris indicating a plurality of objects, the controller 180 displays apreview image 2420 and may be then able to control a focus to beadjusted to a randomly selected object among a plurality of the objectsas depicted in an example of FIG. 24( b) (FIG. 24( b) shows an examplethat the focus is adjusted to John). In this case, the controller 180may control a feedback to be outputted to inform that the focus is notadjusted to a part of a plurality of the objects indicated by the datawhich is selected by the user. FIG. 24( b) shows an example of thefeedback such as an indicator 2422 configured to identify an object(i.e., Jane) where the focus is not adjusted.

If the second user input is inputted while the data selected by the useris indicating a plurality of objects, the controller 180 may control aplurality of pictures to be captured in a manner of focusing on each ofa plurality of the indicated objects without displaying the previewimage. As an example, as depicted in an example of FIG. 24(c), thecontroller 180 can capture a picture 2430 where a focus is adjusted to‘John’ indicated by the data which is selected by the user and a picture2440 where a focus is adjusted to ‘Jane’.

In the course of editing a document, a user can select an object onwhich a focus will be adjusted in a manner of inputting a text andselecting the inputted text by the user. If a picture where a focus isadjusted to the data selected by the user is captured in the middle ofediting the text, as mentioned earlier in FIG. 16, the controller 180can control the captured picture to be attached to the document whilethe document is edited. As mentioned earlier in the example of FIG. 19,it is apparent that the captured picture can be inserted to the documentas a hyperlink object of the data selected by the user.

As mentioned in the foregoing description with reference to the examplesof FIG. 22 to FIG. 24, the controller 180 can display the preview imagein a manner of focusing on the data selected by the user or may capturea picture in a manner of focusing on the data selected by the user.Although FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 show an example that data capable of beingselected by a user corresponds to a text, the data capable of beingselected by the user may be selected from a contact list, a friend listof messenger, an image, and a video.

<Size Adjustment of a Captured Picture>

When a captured picture is applied to an application, the controller 180can adjust a size of the captured picture to make the size of thecaptured picture appropriate for an attribute of the application. As anexample, in case of attaching the captured picture to a text message(e.g., MMS), the controller 180 resizes the captured picture less than afirst size (e.g., 700 kb) and can control the resized picture to beattached to the text message. As a different example, in case ofattaching the captured picture to an e-mail, the controller 180 resizesthe captured picture less than a second size (e.g., 1 Mb) and cancontrol the resized picture to be attached to the e-mail.

In particular, the controller 180 can control the size of the capturedpicture to be automatically adjusted in accordance with thecharacteristic of the application to which the captured picture isapplied.

<Capturing a Picture Using a Front Camera 121 and a Rear Camera 121′ atthe Same Time>

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention can take apicture selectively using either the front camera 121 or the rear camera121′. Or, the mobile terminal can take a picture simultaneously usingthe front camera 121 and the rear camera 121′. In case of capturing apicture using the front camera 121 and the rear camera 121′ at the sametime, a preview image or a captured picture of the front camera 121 (orrear camera 121′) can be provided as a sub image of a preview image or acaptured picture of the rear camera 121′ (or front camera 121) or bothimages can be provided independently. Regarding this, it shall bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 in thefollowing.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for an example that a preview image of a frontcamera 121 and a preview image of a rear camera 121′ are simultaneouslyoutputted when a first user input is inputted. For clarity, as depictedin an example of FIG. 25( a), assume that an object to be captured viathe front camera 121 corresponds to a person (i.e., photographer) 2510and an object to be captured via the rear camera 121′ corresponds to atree 2520.

If a first user input is received in a state that both the front camera121 and the rear camera 121′ are configured to use, the controller 180can control a preview image of the front camera and a preview image ofthe rear camera to be displayed at the same time. In this case, asdepicted in an example of FIG. 25( b), the controller 180 displays thepreview image 2530 of the rear camera as a main image and may configurethe preview image 2540 of the front camera as a sub image. Although itis not depicted in the drawing, it is apparent that the preview image ofthe front camera can be configured as a main image and the preview imageof the rear camera can be configured as a sub image. As depicted in theexample of FIG. 25( b), the main image 2530 may have a size relativelysmaller than a size of the sub image 2540. In this case, a user inputinputted on the menu items may impact on both the main image 2530 (i.e.,the front camera 121) and the sub image 2540 (i.e., the rear camera121′).

As a different example, as depicted in an example of FIGS. 25( c) and(d), the controller 80 may independently provide the preview image 2540of the front camera from the preview image 2530 of the rear camera. Inthis case, the menu items for controlling the front camera and the menuitems for controlling the rear camera can be provided in a manner ofbeing integrated as depicted in the example of FIG. 25( c) or can beseparately provided as depicted in the example of FIG. 25( d).

As depicted in the example of FIG. 25( c), if the menu items areprovided in a manner of being integrated, a user input inputted on themenu items may impact on both the front camera 121 and the rear camera121′. On the contrary, as depicted in the example of FIG. 25( d), if themenu items are separately provided, the menu items for the front camera121 may impact on the front camera 121 only and the menu items for therear camera 121′ may impact on the rear camera 121′ only.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for an example of outputting a captured picture incase of capturing a picture using a front camera 121 and a rear camera121′ at the same time. If a capturing command is inputted in theexamples depicted in FIG. 25 or if a second user input is inputted in astate that both the front camera 121 and the rear camera 121′ areconfigured to use, the controller 180 can take pictures using the frontcamera 121 and the rear camera 121′ at the same time.

In this case, the pictures 2610/2620 captured by the front camera 121and the rear camera 121′ can be merged into a single file or bothpictures can be regarded as separate files. If the both pictures aremerged into a single file, the controller 180 can generate a merged filein a manner of configuring one of the both picture 2610/2620 as a mainimage 2610 and configuring the other picture as a sub image 2620 asdepicted in an example of FIG. 26( a). As a different example, thecontroller 180 may merge the both picture 2610/2620 into a singlepicture file in a manner of attaching the both pictures to each other asdepicted in an example of FIG. 26( b) (FIG. 26( b) shows an example thatthe picture 2620 captured by the front camera 121 and the picture 2610captured by the rear camera 121′ are connected to each other above andbelow). If the picture captured by the front camera 121 and the picturecaptured by the rear camera 121′ are regarded as separate picture files,the both pictures 2610/2620 may be separately displayed as depicted inan example of FIG. 26( c).

<Capturing a Picture with an Output of a Display 151 in the Background>

In case of capturing a picture, the mobile terminal 100 according to thepresent invention can take a picture with an output of the display 151in the background. Regarding this, it shall be described in detail withreference to FIG. 27.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example of capturing a picturewith an output of a display in the background. As depicted in an exampleof FIG. 27( a), if a first user input is inputted, the controller 180can control a preview image 2710 to be displayed in the display 151. Inthis case, the controller 180 displays (FIG. 27( a) shows an examplethat a menu item for controlling transparency of the preview image isrepresented as a bar form) the menu item 2720 for controlling thetransparency of the preview image and can control the transparency ofthe preview image 2710 based on a user input inputted on the menu item2720. As depicted in an example of FIG. 27( b), if a capturing commandis inputted when the preview image 2710 is configured as a translucentstate, the controller 180 can control a picture to be captured with anoutput of the display 151 in the background. In this case, a part, whichis configured as the background of the picture, may correspond to a partpossessed by the preview image.

As depicted in FIG. 27, the controller 180 can take a picture using bothan output of the display 151 and an image inputted via the camera 121.

<Editing a Captured Picture>

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention can providean editing screen capable of editing a picture which is captured via afirst user input or a second user input. Specifically, the controller180 can provide a user interface (UI) for determining a picture frame ofthe captured picture, a UI for attaching a sticker (i.e., clip art) toan editing item, and the like via the editing screen.

FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are diagrams for a UI which is provided to anediting screen of a captured picture. As depicted in an example of FIG.28, the controller 180 can provide a frame configuration UI 2810 todetermine a frame of a captured picture. If a specific item is selectedfrom the frame configuration UI 2810, the controller 180 can process thecaptured picture in accordance with the selected item. As an example, ifa circle is selected from the frame configuration UI 2810 depicted inFIG. 28( a), the controller 180 can control the captured picture to beedited to the circle as depicted in an example of FIG. 28( b).

As depicted in an example of FIG. 29, the controller 180 may provide aclip art UI 2910 to determine a sticker capable of being attached to acaptured picture. If a specific item is selected from the clip art UI2910, the controller 180 can control the selected item to be attached tothe captured picture (refer to FIGS. 29( a) and (b)).

<Switching to a Panorama Mode>

If a user input for expanding a capturing area is received from a userwhile a preview image is displaying, the controller 180 can control acapturing mode of the camera to be switched to a panorama capturingmode. On the contrary, if a user input for reducing the capturing areais received from the user when the capturing mode of the mobile terminal100 is set to the panorama capturing mode, the controller 180 cancontrol the capturing mode of the camera to be switched from thepanorama capturing mode to a general capturing mode.

Although it is not depicted, the user input for expanding the capturingarea may correspond to a pinch out input for the preview image and theuser input for reducing the capturing area may correspond to a pinch ininput for the preview image.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide variouseffects and/or features.

According to one of the embodiments, the present invention can provide amobile terminal for enhancing user convenience.

Specifically, the present invention can provide a mobile terminalcapable of quickly capturing a picture without displaying a previewimage.

Moreover, the present invention can provide a mobile terminal capable ofautomatically adjusting a focus and controlling a camera setting tocorrespond to intention of a user.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention can be specified into other form(s) without departing from thespirit or scope of the inventions.

In addition, the above-described methods can be implemented in a programrecorded medium as processor-readable codes. The processor-readablemedia may include all kinds of recording devices in which data readableby a processor are stored. The processor-readable media may include ROM,RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices,and the like for example and also include carrier-wave typeimplementations (e.g., transmission via Internet).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, itis intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a cameraconfigured to capture a picture; a display configured to displayinformation; and a controller configured to control the camera tocapture a picture in response to a user input and without displaying apreview image received via the camera, and the controller tosubsequently control the captured picture to be displayed on the displaysimultaneously with the preview image after the picture is captured. 2.The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the camera includes a firstcamera to capture a picture from a first side of the mobile terminal anda second camera to capture a picture from a second side of the mobileterminal.
 3. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein in response toreceiving the user input, the controller is to selectively use one ofthe first camera and the second camera or the controller is to controlthe picture to be captured using both the first camera and the secondcamera.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim 3, further comprising a sensingunit to sense an orientation of the mobile terminal, wherein in responseto receiving the user input when the mobile terminal is determined to besubstantially in a horizontal orientation, the controller is to controlthe picture to be captured by one of the first camera and the secondcamera, and wherein in response to receiving the user input when themobile terminal is determined to be substantially in a verticalorientation, the controller is to control the picture to be captured bythe other one of the first camera and the second camera.
 5. The mobileterminal of claim 3, further comprising a sensing unit to sense at leastone grip on the mobile terminal, wherein in response to receiving theuser input while the mobile terminal is determined to be gripped by twohands, the controller is to control the picture to be captured by one ofthe first camera and the second camera, and wherein in response toreceiving the user input while the mobile terminal is determined to begripped by a hand, the controller is to control the picture to becaptured by the other one of the first camera and the second camera. 6.The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller is toautomatically adjust a setting of the camera based on at least one of anamount of light around the mobile terminal, a moving speed of the mobileterminal, and a subject intended to be captured.
 7. The mobile terminalof claim 1, wherein in response to the user input, the controller is tocontrol the camera to capture a plurality of pictures while the userinput is maintained.
 8. The mobile terminal of claim 7, wherein thecontroller is to control the camera to capture the plurality of picturesby varying a focal length.
 9. The mobile terminal of claim 7, whereinafter capturing the plurality of the pictures, the controller is todelete remaining pictures from among the plurality of pictures otherthan a selected picture.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein inresponse to receiving the user input while a prescribed data isselected, the controller is to control the picture to be captured byfocusing on a subject associated with the selected data.
 11. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving the user input anda voice, the controller is to control the picture to be captured byfocusing on a subject associated with the voice.
 12. The mobile terminalof claim 1, wherein the controller is to control the captured picture tobe overlaid on the preview image.
 13. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein when the captured picture is determined as being distorted, thecontroller is to control the camera to automatically capture a picture.14. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein when the captured picture isdetermined as being distorted, the controller is to control a feedbackto be outputted to indicate distortion of the captured picture.
 15. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving the userinput while a messenger application is being executed, the controller isto control the captured picture to be automatically transmitted to acounterpart that communicates with the mobile terminal via the messengerapplication.
 16. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein when the userinput is received while a document is being edited, the controller is tocontrol the captured picture to be attached to the document.
 17. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a capturingcommand while the preview image is displayed on the display, thecontroller is to capture a picture by combining the preview image with abackground image of the display.
 18. A method of controlling a mobileterminal, comprising: receiving a user input; in response to receivingthe user input, capturing a picture without displaying a preview imagereceived via a camera; and subsequently displaying, on the display, thecaptured picture together with the preview image after the picture iscaptured.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein in response to receivingthe user input, selectively using one of a first camera and a secondcamera to capture the picture.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein inresponse to receiving the user input when the mobile terminal is in afirst orientation, capturing the picture using one of the first cameraand the second camera, and wherein in response to receiving the userinput when the mobile terminal is in a second orientation, capturing thepicture using the other one of the first camera and the second camera.21. The method of claim 19, wherein in response to receiving the userinput while the mobile terminal is gripped by two hands, capturing thepicture using one of the first camera and the second camera, and whereinin response to receiving the user input while the mobile terminal isgripped with only a single hand, capturing the picture using the otherone of the first camera and the second camera.
 22. The method of claim18, wherein in response to the user input, capturing a plurality ofpictures while the user input is maintained.
 23. The method of claim 18,further comprising: determining that the captured picture is distorted,and automatically capturing another picture when the captured picture isdetermined to be distorted.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein inresponse to receiving the user input while an application is executing,automatically transmitting the captured picture to a counterpart thatcommunicates with the mobile terminal via the messenger application. 25.The method of claim 18, wherein in response to receiving the user inputwhile a document is edited, automatically attaching the captured pictureto the document.